Accor consolidates IT with Corporate Express.
When Accor were looking to consolidate their entire IT business they turned to Corporate Express. At the time, the hotel and tourism group well known for brands such as Ibis, Novotel, Sofitel, Mercure and All Seasons, was operating an IT system with varying standards and dealing with multiple suppliers.
Nick Grandioso, National Procurement Manager for Accor Asia Pacific said that contemplating the transition for the group was daunting.
“Even though we had implemented an approved IT products list, enforcing it was the biggest concern. With 100 hotels across all states, we needed an IT Partner who could also manage the relationships that run our industry,” said Mr. Grandioso.
“Corporate Express helped us manage the transition process. They have the national footprint, infrastructure and a culture that fosters good relationships and are efficient in how they leverage it all,” he said.
“Today we not only have IT standards in place, but excellent local relationships across the board. Our hotels are happy and so I am happy. Our partnership continues to grow from strength to strength.”
The IT Solutions Division of Corporate Express delivers product and services across three main areas for Accor, which are hardware, implementation and networks.
Wayne Stickle, National Account Manager at Corporate Express, said the company offers a complete end-to-end solution coupled with seamless service for large groups such as Accor.
“We have concentrated on helping Accor implement a global IT standard for the best price available. These hotels run 24x7 so timing and handover of an upgraded IT environment is critical and has to be precise. In this sense, our IT Division is an extension of their operation,” Mr. Stickles said.
“Any organization with 100 cost centres also requires immediate on the spot service. Accor hotel staff can pick up the phone at any hotel and contact their local Corporate Express Account Manager.
“Another business benefit to Accor is that they can access ‘best of brand’ for any item in any location, while still receiving on monthly consolidated invoice if they wish,” said Stickel.
The IT Solutions division of Corporate Express is a leading provider of complete technology solutions, offering vendor direct, volume, contract, special pricing and a fee for service logistics model.
The division won the Lenovo Top Asia Pacific Reseller at IBM Partner World 2006 in Las Vegas. The award is significant recognition overall for Corporate Express as the top IT performer in Australia and the Asia Pacific.
